10 Herbs and Spices For Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells begin to divide uncontrollably, attacking surrounding tissues. It can spread throughout the body from one point of origin via the lymph and blood systems. It claims millions of victims every year.

The best way to fight against cancers is to prevent them. Many Indian spices and herbs have ability to stimulate the immune system, strengthening our bodies against invasion of toxins, bacteria and virus, due to the presence of phytochemicals in them. These spices can prevent the multiplying of malignant cells in the body leading to the cancer cells. Find a list of 10 most powerful herbs and spices that can prevent cancer.
The phytochemicals in these spices and herbs may aid in keeping cancer at bay, if included in to our diet from our childhood. To take advantage of their cancer preventing properties, they should be added to our daily diet. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

There are several studies confirming that an all-natural remedy made of herbs and spices could be effective against certain types of cancer. It is not surprising that spices like turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and cumin form an integral part of an Indian kitchen.

10 Most Powerful Spices and Herbs For Cancer Prevention and Treatment

2. Oregano

Oregano contains carvacrol and quercetin, which can restrict the growth of malignant cells in the body and acts like a drug against prostate cancer cells, lung cancer cells, oral cancer cells, and malignant brain tumors, however, further research is needed.

Carvacrol is also present in marjoram, mint, thyme, basil, and parsley.

Anti-cancerous oregano

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is the king of spices when it comes to dealing with cancers. It contains the powerful polyphenol Curcumin which is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories identified to this day.

The advantage of Curcumin is that it safely chokes the cancer cells to death without posing a threat to the development of other healthy cells in contrast to radiotherapy and chemotherapy where all the cells, good and cancerous, are affected.

3. Chillies, Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin

Cayenne is a powerful spice with anti-cancer properties. Cayenne contains capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant, which is toxic to cancer cells. The research at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine reported that capsaicin can destroy the potential cancer cells of prostate cancer and can reduce the size of leukemia tumor cells considerably.

4. Cumin

Cumin seeds contain a compound called 'Thymoquinone' that checks multiplication of cells responsible for prostate cancer.

Anti-cancerous cumin seeds

5. Fennel

Fennel contains phyto-nutrients, antioxidants and Anethole which resist and suppresses the adhesive and invasive multiplying activities of cancer cells.

Anti-cancerous fennel

6. Saffron

Saffron contains a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid called Crocetin which is a cancer-fighting element. It decreases the size of the cancerous tumor by half, and possibility of a complete cure of cancer.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon controls and reduces excessive blood sugar levels, reducing the chance of getting most types of cancer because cancer thrives in a sugar rich environment.

Cinnamon blocks the formation of new vessels in the human body, so it is useful in reducing tumour growth. It is a natural chemoprevention agent, it has anti-tumor abilities.

Takes about half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer risk away.

Anti-cancerous cinnamon spice

Chemoprevention using natural or synthetic agents is growing in popularity as a way to prevent cancer.

One study found that cinnamon could alter growth of cervical cancer cells, so it could be used as a chemopreventive agent in treating cervical cancer.

8. Black Pepper

Black pepper has antioxidant properties which along with turmeric has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous stem cells of breast tumors without destroying healthy cells.

Anti-cancerous pepper corns

9. Garlic

Garlic possesses antibacterial, immune-strengthening and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is the most powerful anti-cancer spice. It has ability to block the formation of cancer-causing substances, halt the activation of cancer-causing substances, reduce cell proliferation, or induce cell death.

Studies have shown that the intake of garlic can reduce the risk of cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, breast, intestinal, and prostate cancer. It can also slow down cell reproduction, and induce apoptosis, stopping cancer growth and kills cancer cells.

The World Health Organization recommends for adults a daily intake of one clove or 0.4 to 1.2 g of dried garlic powder.

10. Ginger

Fresh ginger contains gingerol which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore may be protective against cancer.

Recent research has shown that ginger may be thousands of times more effective at fighting cancer than chemotherapy, treatments may be evolved that do not harm healthy cells in the human body, unlike chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Ginger has been proven to be effective in killing ovarian and prostate cancer cells.

Start eating ginger root regularly as part of a healthy diet, it may help prevent cancer.